Minnesota Vikings Reach Preliminary Deal on New Stadium

February 20, 2012

NFL’s Minnesota Vikings new stadium plans may be set after reaching a preliminary agreement with Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota on a new stadium, according to a report in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

The report, citing multiple sources who spoke Friday on condition of anonymity, said the sides agreed on the division of costs for a $975 million stadium on a site at or near the Metrodome, the Vikings’ home since 1982.

Sources told the Star Tribune the city would pay $150 million in construction costs and roughly $180 million in operating costs over the next 30 years, while the state would pay $398 million and the Vikings would pay $427 million.

The sources said other details, including cost overruns, still had to be ironed out, but that an announcement was expected next week.

Earlier Friday, Gov. Mark Dayton and representatives of Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and the Vikings said an agreement had not been reached.

Dayton said on Twin Cities Public Television’s “Almanac” that he hopes a tentative agreement will emerge that can be taken to the Minneapolis City Council and the state Legislature.

Rybak spokesman John Stiles said the city, the state and the team will be negotiating through the weekend.

The Vikings have sought a replacement to the Metrodome for nearly a decade. The Vikings’ request has taken on new urgency in recent months because their lease has expired.

by Ismail Uddin